Martin & Co’s Exeter branch has doubled in size after acquiring local estate agency Cooksleys in the first takeover since the office came under new ownership in 2024.
The deal includes both the lettings management portfolio and the sales business previously run by Cooksleys, significantly increasing Martin & Co Exeter’s presence across the city’s sales and rental markets.
Franchise owners Nik Davey and Rosie Davey (main picture, left and right) took over the branch last year and said the acquisition marks a major step in their plans to grow the business locally.
The couple entered the property industry only two years ago and have focused on building the team and strengthening relationships with landlords and vendors since taking control of the office.
STRONGER FOOTHOLD
The purchase gives the branch a larger managed portfolio and a stronger foothold in the Exeter sales market at a time when demand for rental homes in the city remains high, particularly for smaller properties and student accommodation.
Nik Davey says that the opportunity to acquire Cooksleys stood out because of the similarities between the two firms.
“It has been very busy and exciting getting to know the business and building great relationships with our clients. We have a brilliant, hard-working team and we wouldn’t have been able to get to where we are today without them.
“Cooksleys is a business who care about what they do and about giving outstanding service to their clients. That was very important to us and made them stand out from some of the more corporate agents.
“We would love to grow even more in the future. If the right fit for our business comes along, we would definitely look at further acquisitions.”
BUILDING SCALE
Penny Sanders, group franchise services director at The Property Franchise Group, says the move shows how franchise owners are using acquisitions to build scale in their local markets, while Martin & Co managing director Toby Phillips said the Exeter branch had made a strong start under its new owners.
The new owners say clients moving across from Cooksleys will continue to be supported by the existing team as the enlarged branch looks to expand further in the Devon market.
